Sports helmet having slotted padding for receiving the ears of a user

ABSTRACT

A sports helmet configured for protecting a user&#39;s head. The helmet includes a shell and a padding assembly. The shell includes first and second side panels sized to generally cover the ears of the user. The shell and the first and second side panels have an inner surface. The padding assembly is coupled to the inner surface, and includes first and second pad sub-assemblies extending over at least a portion of the inner surface of the first and second side panels, respectively. The first and second pad sub-assemblies include first and second slots, respectively. Each of the first and second slots upwardly extends from a lower edge of the first and second pad sub-assemblies. Each of the first and second slots is sized to receive the user&#39;s ears and to facilitate the placement and removal of the helmet onto, and from, the user&#39;s head.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a sports helmet. In particular, the present invention relates to a sports helmet having a slotted padding assembly for receiving the user's ears thereby facilitating placement and removal of the helmet onto, and from, the user's head.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sports helmets, such as batting, hockey, football, lacrosse, and bicycle helmets, are well known and typically include a shell having inner and outer surfaces and a padding assembly connected to the inner surface of the shell. Batting helmets, in particular, also typically include a bill and one or two ear protecting portions extending from the shell. Many sport helmets also typically include corresponding face masks. Additionally, many existing sports helmets also can include a mechanism for adjusting the size of the padding assembly within the helmet to enable the helmet to adapt to fit different users having different head sizes.

Many sports helmets and, in particular, batting helmets, are commonly shared by several players, and often an entire team, during the course of a game. Often during play, batting helmets are shared from one batter to the next or from one base-runner to a batter. In such situations, the batter often must quickly place the helmet onto his or her head as he or she is approaching the batter's box. Accordingly, it is desirable for helmets to be capable of being quickly, easily and securely positioned onto the player's head, preferably by the player alone without assistance from others.

Existing helmets have a number of drawbacks. Many existing helmets that include side panels extending over the ears of the user are difficult to put on, particularly for young players. Existing helmets typically require the user, or another person, to pry or spread apart the side panels of the helmet to enable the helmet to be comfortably placed onto the user's hand. Such helmets must be manipulated using two hands and require a certain amount of strength and coordination to efficiently and quickly install the helmet. Many young players have difficulty installing such helmets because they have yet to develop sufficient hand strength or motor skills to efficiently install such helmets. As a result, another person is generally required to properly secure helmets onto the heads of such young players.

Thus, there is a continuing need for a sports helmet that can be easily, quickly and reliably installed or removed by the user, particularly young users, without requiring the assistance of others. What is also needed is a helmet that requires only one hand to properly secure the helmet onto a user's head. Further, it would be advantageous to provide a sports helmet that allows for air flow into and out of the helmet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a batting helmet configured for protecting a batter's head. The helmet includes a shell and a pad assembly. The shell includes at least one side panel sized to generally cover at least one of the batter's ears. The shell and the side panel have an inner surface. The pad assembly is coupled to the inner surface, and includes at least one pad sub-assembly extending over at least a portion of the inner surface of the side panel. The slot is sized to receive the batter's ear and to facilitate the placement and removal of the helmet onto, and from, the batter's head.

According to a principal aspect of the invention, a sports helmet is configured for protecting a user's head. The helmet includes a shell and a padding assembly. The shell includes first and second side panels sized to generally cover the ears of the user. The shell and the first and second side panels have an inner surface. The padding assembly is coupled to the inner surface, and includes first and second pad sub-assemblies extending over at least a portion of the inner surface of the first and second side panels, respectively. The first and second pad sub-assemblies include first and second slots, respectively. Each of the first and second slots upwardly extends from a lower edge of the first and second pad sub-assemblies. Each of the first and second slots is sized to receive the user's ears and to facilitate the placement and removal of the helmet onto, and from, the user's head.

This invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings described herein below, and wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a helmet in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the left side pad sub-assembly is shown in phantom lines through the shell of the helmet.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the helmet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 a side cross-sectional view of the helmet taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the helmet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom sectional view of the right side of the helmet taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is side cross-sectional view of the helmet taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the helmet of FIG. 1 with a face mask.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a batting helmet is indicated generally at 10. The helmet 10 of FIG. 1 is configured as a batting helmet, however, the invention can also be formed as other types of sports helmets, such as, for example, a football helmet, a hockey helmet, a lacrosse helmet, and a bicycle helmet. The helmet 10 is configured to meet National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (“NOCSAE”) as required by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (“NCAA”), the National Federation of State High School Associations and youth organizations. The helmet includes a shell 12 and a padding assembly 14 (or head support assembly)

The shell 12 is a generally hemispherically shaped head covering, which forms a cranial cavity 16, configured to loosely cover and protect the upper portion of a user's head. The shell 12 has a dome-like crown 18, a generally continuous circumferential side wall 20 and a bill 22. The circumferential side wall 20 includes first and second sidewall regions 24 and 26, which are configured to generally cover the left and right ears of the user, respectively. Preferably, the crown 18, the side wall 20 (including the first and second sidewall regions 24 and 26), and the bill 22 are integrally formed to one another. In alternative preferred embodiments, one or more of these shell 12 regions can be connected together in a non-integral manner. The shell 12 is formed of a rigid, durable material, preferably, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (“ABS”). In alternative preferred embodiments, the shell 12 can be formed of other materials, such as, for example, a polycarbonate, plastic, aluminum, or other polymers. The shell 12 is configured to protect the user's head by resisting, absorbing and distributing impact loads, such as, for example, the impact from a pitched ball, thereby reducing the load transferred to or felt by the user due to an impact.

The shell 12 further preferably includes a plurality of ventilation holes 28 for enabling air to flow into and out of the helmet 10. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the shell 12 includes first and second ventilation holes 30 and 32 adjacent the left and right ears of the user. In another alternative preferred embodiment, four ventilation holes 28 are spaced apart across a front portion of the shell 12. Each ventilation hole 28, 30 and 32 having a general tear drop shape. In alternative preferred embodiments, the shell 12 can include a different number of ventilation holes in a variety of different shapes, or the shell 12 can be absent of ventilation holes.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, the shell 12 also preferably includes an adjustable chin strap 34 for attachment between the first and second sidewall regions 24 and 26, or other locations about the shell 12. The chin strap 34 further secures the helmet to the user's head. The helmet 10 preferably includes at least one fastener 36 for releasably connecting to the strap 34 to the shell 12. The fastener 36 is attached to one, and preferably both, of the first and second sidewall regions 24 and 26. In a preferred embodiment, the fastener is a snap-fit connector. Alternatively, the fastener can be other forms of conventional fasteners, such as, for example, a hook and loop type fastener, a buckle, a button, resilient connectors, press-fit connectors and combinations thereof.

The shell 12 includes an outer surface 36 and an inner surface 38. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the outer surface 36 has a unique two piece alternating rib and finger pattern including first and second regions 40 and 42. The first region 40 of the outer surface 36 is slightly raised with respect to the second region 42 and includes a polished glossy finish or texture. The second region 42 of the two-piece pattern of the outer surface 36 of the shell 12 is not raised with respect to the first region 40 and includes a slightly roughened, non-glossy finish or texture. In alternative preferred embodiments, the outer surface 36 of the shell 12 can include other raised and non-raised shapes, and other combinations of shapes and patterns. Further, the surface finish of the outer surface 36 can be entirely glossy, semi-glossy or non-glossy, or can include other variations or combinations of these finishes.

In alternative preferred embodiments, the helmet 10 can be formed in any variety of shapes and can include raised or non-raised portions wherein the outer surface of the shell includes the first region having a first generally smooth texture and the second region having a second generally slightly roughened or non-glossy texture. The slightly roughened texture of the second region of the shell can make the helmet 10 easier to grasp and otherwise manipulate, particularly if the user's hand or the helmet is wet. Moreover, the smooth texture of the first region and the slightly roughened texture of the second region alone provide the helmet 10 with a unique desirable appearance.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, the padding assembly 14 of the helmet 10 is shown in greater detail. The padding assembly 14 includes a plurality of support members configured to dampen, reduce, absorb and/or dissipate shock resulting impact of the helmet with an object, and reduce the shock transferred to, or felt by, the user due to an impact. The padding assembly 14 is positioned within the shell 12 near or adjacent to an inner surface 38 of the shell 12. The padding assembly 14 is coupled to the shell 12 at at least one location. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the padding assembly 14 is connected to the shell 12 through the use of rivets and adhesives. In alternative preferred embodiments, the padding assembly 14 can be connected or coupled to the shell 12 using any type, or combination, of conventional fasteners.

In one preferred embodiment, the padding assembly 14 includes a generally circumferential portion 44, a back portion 46, a curved upper front portion 48, first and second curved upper side portions 50 and 52, a top portion 54, and first and second side pad sub-assemblies 56 and 58. The circumferential portion 44 is a multi-layered structure, which typically contacts the inner surface 38 at the front portion of the shell 12, while the remaining regions of the circumferential portion 44 are generally slightly spaced apart from the shell 12. The circumferential portion includes a reinforcing member and a band, which provide the circumferential portion 44 with additional support and provides a means of evenly adjusting the circumferential opening formed by the circumferential portion 44.

Each of the curved upper front portion 48 and the first and second curved upper side portions 50 and 52 connect to and upwardly extend from the circumferential portion 44. The front portion 48 and the first and second side portions 50 and 52 then upwardly extend along the inner surface 38 of the shell 12 and connect to each other at the top portion 54 below the crown 18. The curved upper front portion 48 and the first and second curved upper side portions 50 and 52 can contact, or be slightly spaced apart from, the shell 12. In a preferred embodiment, the top portion 54 of the padding assembly 14 is also connected to the shell 12. The back portion 46 downwardly and rearwardly extends from top portion 54. The back portion 46 of the padding assembly 14 generally extends over the rear region of the shell 12, and is preferably spaced apart from the shell 12, but can contact the shell 12 at some locations. The padding assembly 14 is preferably configured to form an adjustably sized opening for generally receiving the top of the user's head. The padding assembly 14 provides a lightweight, comfortable, durable and shock-absorbing interface between the user and the shell 12 of the helmet 10.

Referring to FIG. 5, each portion of the padding assembly 14 is preferably formed of a dual density, two-layer padding structure, an inner padding layer 60 and an outer padding layer 62. The inner and outer padding layers 60 and 62 are formed of a lightweight, cushionable, resilient material, preferably a foam material formed of ethyl vinyl acetate (“EVA foam”). The inner padding layer 60 is configured to directly contact the user's head during use and preferably is formed of a softer padding material having a lower density than the outer padding layer 62. The higher density outer padding layer 62 increases the stability of the padding assembly 14.

In alternative preferred embodiments, the inner and outer padding layers 60 and 62 can be formed of open or closed cellular or non-cellular foam, a gel, a fluid filled bladder, a plurality of spheres, a plurality of other geometric objects, or an air filled bladder. In other alternative preferred embodiments, the padding assembly 14 can be formed of other single or multi-layered padding constructions. The padding assembly 14 can also include any combination of front, rear, side and top portions. The padding assembly 14 can be generally continuous and substantially cover the inner surface 38 of the shell 12 or the padding assembly 14 can be configured with spaced-apart portions in any number of configurations provided that the padding assembly 14 protects the user's head from impact loads. In another alternative preferred embodiment, the padding assembly can include 2, 3, 4 or more adjustment points coupled to the adjustment assembly to achieve adjustment of the helmet.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, in a preferred embodiment, the first and second side pad sub-assemblies 56 and 58 each include a forward and rearward side pad 64 and 66. The forward and rearward side pads 64 and 66 include a lower edge 68 and have a thickness that comfortably spaces the shell 12 from the user's head when installed. The first and second side pad sub-assemblies 56 and 58 are preferably affixed to the first and second side wall regions 24 and 26 of the shell 12, respectively. Alternatively, other conventional fastening means, and combinations of fasteners, can be used.

The forward and rearward side pads 64 and 66 are spaced apart from each other to define, with their respective first and second side wall regions 24 and 26, an ear receiving slot 70. The slot 70 is open at at least its lower end such that the helmet 10 can be easily placed onto the user's head without requiring the first and second side wall regions 24 and 26 to be pried apart by the user or another person. The forward and rearward side pads 64 and 66 preferably are spaced apart such that the slot 70 is relatively narrow at its lower end before widening as the slot upwardly extends to define a space for receiving the user's ear. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the lower width of the slot 70 is formed to be just slightly less than the forward to rearward width of a typical user's ears, such that the user's ears resiliently compress or resiliently widen the forward and rearward side pads 64 and 66 slightly as the helmet is placed onto the user's head. The lower width of the slot 70 advantageously enables the user's ears to pass through and between the forward and rearward side pads 64 and 66 without making the helmet easy to dislodge. Alternatively, the forward and rearward side pads can be spaced apart by other dimensions, such that the ear of the user contacts the pads by different amounts, or not at all. The forward and rearward side pads 64 and 66 curve toward each other at the upper portion of the slot 70 to further protect the ear and head of the user.

The slots 70 facilitate the installation and removal of the helmet 10 from the head of the user. The slots 70 are particularly beneficial for younger users, who may have difficulty installing the helmet. The slots 70 substantially eliminate the need to pry or spread apart the first and second side wall regions 24 and 26 in order to extend the side padding over the user's ears. Further, the slots 70 generally enable a user to install the helmet 10 with a single hand, thereby enabling the user to use his or her other hand to hold other equipment, such as a ball bat. The slots 70 also provide additional passages for air to enter and exit the helmet 10, improving the comfort level of the helmet, as well as the user's ability to hear while wearing the helmet.

Referring to FIG. 6, in an alternative preferred embodiment, the first and second side pad sub-assemblies 56 and 58 each include a single pad 72 having a lower edge 74. The single pad 72 is preferably generally U-shaped and defines the slot 170. The slot 170 is substantially similar to the slot 70 except that the slot 170 is open only at the lower edge of the pad 72. The slot 170 widens as it upwardly extends to fully accommodate the ear of the user. In alternative preferred embodiments, the first and second side pad sub-assemblies 56 and 58 can include three or more pads defining each ear slot, and/or take other shapes provided that the slot includes an open lower end for receiving the ear of the user.

Referring to FIG. 7, in an alternative preferred embodiment, the helmet 10 can also include a face mask 80 that matably connects to the shell 12. The face mask 80 can be releasably or fixedly secured to the shell 12. The face mask 80 is made of a tough durable material preferably a metal. Alternatively, other materials can be used, such as, for example, polycarbonate, ABS, and other composite materials.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, numerous departures therefrom can be contemplated by persons skilled in the art. The slot can be at least partially filled with a very soft, very compressible and easily deformable padding thereby still enabling the first and second side pad assemblies to readily receive the user's ears. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing description but only by the scope and spirit of the appended claims. 

1. A batting helmet configured for protecting a batter's head, the helmet comprising: a shell including at least one side panel sized to generally cover at least one of the batter's ears, the shell and the side panel having an inner surface; and a pad assembly coupled to the inner surface, and including at least one pad sub-assembly extending over at least a portion of the inner surface of the side panel, the pad sub-assembly including a slot upwardly extending from a lower edge of the pad sub-assembly, the slot sized to receive the batter's ear and to facilitate the placement and removal of the helmet onto, and from, the batter's head.
 2. The batting helmet of claim 1, wherein the at least one side panel is first and second side panels, wherein the first and second side panels generally cover the left and right ears of the batter, respectively, and wherein the at least one pad sub-assembly includes first and second pad sub-assemblies extending over the inner surface of the first and second side panels, respectively.
 3. The batting helmet of claim 2, wherein the first and second pad sub-assemblies include first and second slots, respectively.
 4. The batting helmet of claim 1 wherein the pad sub-assembly a multilayered pad.
 5. The batting helmet of claim 1, wherein the pad sub-assembly is affixed to the inner surface of the side panel.
 6. The batting helmet of claim 1, wherein the pad sub-assembly is a single layered pad.
 7. The batting helmet of claim 3, wherein each of the first and second pad sub-assemblies includes at least two spaced-apart pads defining the first and second slots.
 8. The batting helmet of claim 2, wherein the helmet further includes a chin strap releasably connectable between the first and second side panels.
 9. The batting helmet of claim 8, wherein the strap is releasably connected to the shell through a fastener selected from the group consisting of a hook and loop type fastener, a snap, a releasable buckle, a press-fit connector, a button and combinations thereof.
 10. The batting helmet of claim 3, wherein the first and second side panels include first and second through holes, respectively, positioned adjacent to the user's ears, and wherein the first and second through holes are contiguous with the first and second slots, respectively.
 11. The batting helmet of claim 1 wherein the shell further includes a bill.
 12. The batting helmet of claim 1 further comprises a face mask matably coupled to the shell.
 13. The batting helmet of claim 1, wherein the shell is formed of a substantially rigid and durable material.
 14. The batting helmet of claim 13, wherein the material of the shell is selected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, a polycarbonate, a plastic, other polymers, aluminum, and combinations thereof.
 15. A sports helmet configured for protecting a user's head, the helmet comprising: a shell including first and second side panels sized to generally cover the ears of the user, the shell and the first and second side panels having an inner surface; and a pad assembly coupled to the inner surface, and including first and second pad sub-assemblies extending over at least a portion of the inner surface of the first and second side panels, respectively, the first and second pad sub-assemblies including first and second slots, respectively, each of the first and second slots upwardly extending from a lower edge of the first and second pad sub-assemblies, each of the first and second slots being sized to receive the user's ears and to facilitate the placement and removal of the helmet onto, and from, the user's head.
 16. The sports helmet of claim 15 wherein each of the first and second pad sub-assemblies is a multilayered pad.
 17. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein the first and second pad sub-assemblies are affixed to the inner surface of the first and second side panels, respectively.
 18. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein the pad sub-assembly is a single layered pad.
 19. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein each of the first and second pad sub-assemblies includes at least two spaced-apart pads defining the first and second slots.
 20. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein the first and second side panels include first and second through holes, respectively, positioned adjacent to the user's ears, and wherein the first and second through holes are contiguous with the first and second slots, respectively.
 21. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein the helmet further includes a chin strap releasably connectable between the first and second side panels.
 22. The sports helmet of claim 22, wherein the strap is releasably connected to the shell through a fastener selected from the group consisting of a hook and loop type fastener, a snap, a releasable buckle, a press-fit connector, a button and combinations thereof.
 23. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein the shell further includes a bill.
 24. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein the helmet further comprises a face mask matably coupled to the shell.
 25. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein the shell is formed of a substantially rigid and durable material.
 26. The sports helmet of claim 15, wherein the material of the shell is selected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, a polycarbonate, a plastic, other polymers, aluminum, and combinations thereof. 